SafePlants

Long-Tailed Wild Ginger

Asarum caudatum, commonly known as British Columbia wild ginger, western wild ginger, or long-tailed wild ginger, is a fascinating perennial native to the moist forests of western North America.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant spreads by creeping rhizomes.
• The roots can be used as a ginger substitute.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Asarum caudatum Lindl.
• Common Names: British Columbia wild ginger, western wild ginger, long-tailed wild ginger
• Genus: Asarum
• Species: caudatum
• Family: Aristolochiaceae
• Classification: Dicotyledonous
• Synonyms/Alternative Names: Hartweg's wild ginger, hazlewort, Indian ginger, kakuol, little jug, long tail wild ginger, ma dou ling, mandshuricum, marbled wild ginger

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to western North America.
• Found in rich, moist forests.
• Specific locations mentioned include:
  • British Columbia
  • Del Norte Coast Redwoods SP, CA
  • Miller Woods, Yamhill Co, OR
  • Pacific Northwest, near the western shore of Lake Wenatchee
  • California Redwoods
• Enjoys shady positions alongside brooks along the west coast of North America.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Evergreen, low-growing perennial.
• Spreads by creeping rhizomes.
• Plant type: evergreen rhizomatous soft-wooded perennial.
• Hardiness zones: 4-9b.
• Sunlight: warm low sun to shade.
• Soil Moisture: constantly moist.
• Leaves:
  • Large, heart-shaped (or kidney/reniform), veined, aromatic, dark green, semi-evergreen.
  • Leaves are solid green without a trace of marbling.
  • Emerge in pairs along the rhizomes.
  • Persistent.
  • Found in colonies or clusters.
• Flowers:
  • Maroon, tri-lobed.
  • Distinguished by long whiskered tails.
  • Calyx brownish purple, with 3 long-tailed lobes 1–3” long (2–8 cm).
  • Bloom below the leaves.